Workplace Bias???

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I think more than the country of origin it depends on the field. With an architect, the proof of your hubby's skills is in the pudding and I'm sure the experience translates perfectly. With mine, his interview for his current job was a 45-minute pop quiz on the type of stuff he'll be doing (programmer-type job) so again, his ability to do the job was the most important thing and it also translates exactly. If he wanted to work in marketing or something, though, it would probably be harder for him to find a job.

Very good points. Completely agree there. I had to change direction after I immigrated since my particular skillset wasn't exactly transferrable. A little flexibility back then went a long way for me, though.

[mawilson 2,133]

I think more than the country of origin it depends on the field. With an architect, the proof of your hubby's skills is in the pudding and I'm sure the experience translates perfectly. With mine, his interview for his current job was a 45-minute pop quiz on the type of stuff he'll be doing (programmer-type job) so again, his ability to do the job was the most important thing and it also translates exactly. If he wanted to work in marketing or something, though, it would probably be harder for him to find a job.

And what if one is an Engineer?

[Alex+R 0]

I think more than the country of origin it depends on the field. With an architect, the proof of your hubby's skills is in the pudding and I'm sure the experience translates perfectly. With mine, his interview for his current job was a 45-minute pop quiz on the type of stuff he'll be doing (programmer-type job) so again, his ability to do the job was the most important thing and it also translates exactly. If he wanted to work in marketing or something, though, it would probably be harder for him to find a job.

And what if one is an Engineer?

AHAHHAHAHAhAHAHa LAWL'd my pants

If one is an engineer, then one is already part of the freemasonlike society of engineers which guarantees superiority in EVERYTHING. And your wife will smell like flowers.

[kitkat1 5]

The type of position is surely important and also the type of company. I worked for a company that did research all of the world. As a result, they were very accustomed to hiring non-Americans and subsequently half of the office in the US were people from other countries. There were people from all over the world and an unbelievable number of languages spoken there. To the OP, maybe it wouldn't hurt if your wife tried to narrow down her search a bit to companies that have "international" departments or something of that nature. In those places, non-Americans are highly valued (in my experience). Good luck.

p.s. mawilson, me thinks you have LOST YOUR MIND!!

[KarenCee 3]

My husband is in the same situation despite the fact he comes from an English speaking country. I have come to the conclusion it is because he is an immigrant, and all his work history is in another country. We are now on the 4th month of job searching, even applying for positions he is over qualified for just to get his foot in the door. He is having better luck actually getting calls when he can find positions directly with the company vs an agency.

People are angry at the moment with the illegal immigrant topic, and I just wonder if that isn't carrying over into the workforce. Illegal or not an immigrant is an immigrant to some.

Fingers crossed he has another interview with Humana on Thursday........ the savings is gone!

I've wondered the same thing. My husband is Canadian...his english is perfect even if it's his second language. He has a degree in Network Administration, a good work history, references even. He does have a job, just not in his field. He has applied for countless jobs...all in his field and level of experience. Not a one has ever taken the time to at least say thank you for applying but....

I do think in some places it IS the fact that "immigrant" is attached to him at the moment however unfair that is. I think it's horrible that some people and companies can't get past that one word to see that hey, this guy IS legal. *sigh*

I know how you feel Bethanie...ours is almost gone too.

[raphael7546 0]

QUOTE(raphael7546 @ May 14 2007, 08:33 PM)

Don't know if this is true or not but I was told that a potential employer has to pay $25.00 to check credentials from another country. That's $25.00 per company. If that's the case. ( I was told this by 2 different places I've worked at)

If a company has an American & an Immigrant applying for a job, the company would much rather take on the person that is American and has been working in the USA rather then taking the time & expense of looking into the immigrants work experience out of country. Yes, it's discrimination but try to prove it.

I don't know about this. I'd always hire the candidate that best fits the position I'm looking to fill. Never heard about a $25.00 fee for checking foreign credentials but even if that was the case I'd like to ask: So what? I don't know what kind of place and what kind of job level we're talking about. But for a company to contemplate having the background of the candidate investigated overseas, I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary. At $25.00 per company checked, even if I check 10 places, that's less than peanuts considering the investment the company makes in this candidate.

What makes you think MY job is a low paying job ? I happen to have 2 degrees I'm not some dumb blonde. I work for a company that owns over 200 shopping malls and is listed on the stock exchange. Its not some cheapass company.

Lets face it, if a company has 2 ppl with the same credentials but one is an immigrant, you can be sure the American will be hired 75% of the time.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Don't know if this is true or not but I was told that a potential employer has to pay $25.00 to check credentials from another country. That's $25.00 per company. If that's the case. ( I was told this by 2 different places I've worked at)

If a company has an American & an Immigrant applying for a job, the company would much rather take on the person that is American and has been working in the USA rather then taking the time & expense of looking into the immigrants work experience out of country. Yes, it's discrimination but try to prove it.

I don't know about this. I'd always hire the candidate that best fits the position I'm looking to fill. Never heard about a $25.00 fee for checking foreign credentials but even if that was the case I'd like to ask: So what? I don't know what kind of place and what kind of job level we're talking about. But for a company to contemplate having the background of the candidate investigated overseas, I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary. At $25.00 per company checked, even if I check 10 places, that's less than peanuts considering the investment the company makes in this candidate.

What makes you think MY job is a low paying job ? I happen to have 2 degrees I'm not some dumb blonde. I work for a company that owns over 200 shopping malls and is listed on the stock exchange. Its not some cheapass company.

You need to get a hold of yourself. Where have I suggested either?

[sxdx79 0]

Lets face it, if a company has 2 ppl with the same credentials but one is an immigrant, you can be sure the American will be hired 75% of the time.

With everything I've read so far and my wifes own experience I agree with you on this, completely. I think there is some immigrant backlash due to illegal immigration but you cant throw everyone in to the same boat, not that you can prove it anyway.......as for the other reasons I just don't know

In the meantime we are looking at companies where being an immigrant and having the experience of working with different cultures is actually considered an asset.

[mawilson 2,133]

Lets face it, if a company has 2 ppl with the same credentials but one is an immigrant, you can be sure the American will be hired 75% of the time.

Unless you're English -- then they'll hire you over the American.

[pedroh 21]

They don't like me 'cuz I'm too cute..

[raphael7546 0]

ET-US2004

Where have I suggested either?

I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary.

<---- Here

[Aymerlu 3]

We're having the same problem too. Khalllid has a bachlors of science and cannot get a good job here at all. He taught for 17 years in Egypt, gets here and even pre-schools won't even hire him. I don't get it.

[kitkat1 5]

In the meantime we are looking at companies where being an immigrant and having the experience of working with different cultures is actually considered an asset.

That was exactly my point in my earlier post. There are definitely companies out there that value people who have experience living and working in other countries. Corporations that deal with other countries and need people with experience in that country is one option that comes to mind. It will take a little research but I think you'll find that she'll have more success in these companies.

[no name 1]

I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary.

<---- Here

He said:

I don't know about this. I'd always hire the candidate that best fits the position I'm looking to fill. Never heard about a $25.00 fee for checking foreign credentials but even if that was the case I'd like to ask: So what? I don't know what kind of place and what kind of job level we're talking about. But for a company to contemplate having the background of the candidate investigated overseas, I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary. At $25.00 per company checked, even if I check 10 places, that's less than peanuts considering the investment the company makes in this candidate.

[raphael7546 0]

I don't think we're talking about a $10.00/hour type job but rather a position that pays at the very least upper 30's worth a salary